Pipe fitter square

ABSTRACT

A measuring tool for determining angles at two points of interest, including an elongate arm and two protractors, one protractor rotatably mounted at each end of the arm. Each protractor includes a flat for positioning the protractor against one of the two points of interest. The angle at each point of interest is the angular measurement between the arm and the two flats, respectively. The arm may include two attachment sections, one each of the two attachment sections rotatably connected to one each of the two protractors, respectively, and an L-shaped guide having three connection points for selectively receiving and retaining the two attachment sections in various configurations as desired.

FIELD

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 13/548,258, filed Jul. 13, 2012, entitled PIPEFITTER SQUARE, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication 61/608,194, filed Mar. 8, 2012, and U.S. provisional patentapplication 61/617,088, filed Mar. 29, 2012. This invention relates tothe field of measuring hand tools. More particularly, this inventionrelates to a multi-functional squaring tool for use by pipe fitters.

BACKGROUND

In the field of pipe fitting, it is often necessary to align multiplepipes at various relative angles and also to align them at variousangles relative to horizontal and vertical references. One importantaspect of operating effectively in this field is to ensure that the pipejoints are aligned. Efficiency and timeliness are also importantconcerns. This requires a pipe fitter to be able to quickly, easily andaccurately find the correct positions, offsets and angles of the variouspipes. Typically, most pipes are aligned at either a 45° or a 90° withrespect to one another. However, at other times, pipes may be aligned atangles other than 45° or a 90°, which requires the pipe fitter to usevarious angle finding tools or methods. However, these methods are oftendifficult or awkward and typically require the presence of two or morepersons to support the tools and to position them in the correctlocation and configuration. Additionally, piping fitting often occurs insmall, cramped areas, where space is very limited. Due to the lack ofspace, maneuverability and access to the pipe is often a concern. Thisproblem is exacerbated when measuring and fitting a pipe requires two ormore persons.

What is needed, therefore, is a tool that reduces problems such as thosedescribed above, at least in part.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by a measuring tool for determiningangles at two points of interest. The measuring tool includes anelongate arm having a first end and a second end, a first protractorrotatably mounted at the first end of the arm, and a second protractorrotatably mounted at the second end. Each protractor includes a firstedge and a second edge. The first edge includes an arc and a first setof graduations for providing an angular measurement in degrees ofincline between the protractor and the elongate arm. The second edgeincludes a flat for positioning the protractor against one of the twopoints of interest. The angle at each point of interest is the angularmeasurement between the arm and the two flats, respectively.

In some embodiments, the elongate arm may further include a referencemarking for aligning with the first set of graduations. In certain otherembodiments, the elongate arm includes an extension section, such that adistance along the elongate arm between the two protractors can beselectively extended and reduced.

In certain other embodiments, the elongate arm may further include twoattachment sections, one each of the two attachment sections rotatablyconnected to one each of the two protractors, respectively, and anL-shaped guide having three connection points, one connection point oneach of two ends of the L-shaped guide and one at an elbow position ofthe L-shaped guide. The connection points may be used for selectivelyreceiving and retaining the two attachment sections in variousconfigurations as desired.

In certain embodiments, each protractor may further include an arcuateslot and the arm may further include a post extending through thearcuate slot. The arcuate slot in combination with the post for guidingthe rotation of the protractor with respect to the arm.

In some embodiments, the protractors may include two plates, one of eachof the plates rotatably mounted on either side of the elongate arm. Inother embodiments, the protractors may include two plates, one of eachof the plates rotatably mounted on either side of the elongate arm, withthe second edge fixedly mounted between the two plates. In certain otherembodiments, the protractors may further include a lock for locking theprotractor in a desired angular position with respect to the arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to thedetailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures,which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, whereinlike reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the severalviews, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a measuring device;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the measuring device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a protractor including graduation markings;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a protractor including secondary graduationmarkings and a secondary reference marking;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view shown along line A-A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is perspective view of a contact member having a pair of ledges;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the contact member of FIG. 6A with afirst plate and a second plate, respectively, positioned on the pair ofledges;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a contact member formed as a unitarymember with the first plate and second plate;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a measuring device with two protractors,each with a first plate and a second plate;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a protractor having a first plate and asecond plate;

FIG. 10 depicts a person using the measuring device of FIG. 9 to fit a90° fitting in a section of pipe;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a guide;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view depicting a measuring apparatus includinga protractor and a bar connected with a guide;

FIG. 13 is a front view depicting a measuring apparatus including a pairof protractors and bars connected with a guide;

FIG. 14 depicts a measuring apparatus positioned along the inside of a90° turn in a section of pipe;

FIG. 15 depicts a measuring apparatus positioned along the outside of a90° turn in a section of pipe;

FIG. 16 depicts a person using a measuring device including a singleprotractor along the inside of a 90° turn in a section of pipe;

FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternative configuration of a measuringapparatus including a pair of protractors and bars connected with aguide;

FIG. 18 depicts the measuring apparatus of FIG. 17 positioned along theinside of a 45° turn in a section of pipe;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a protractorhaving a first plate and a second plate;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the first plate of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a measuring tool 100 is provided. Generally,the measuring tool 100 includes an elongate arm 102, a first protractor104 and a second protractor 106. The components of the measuring tool100 and the various embodiments and methods of use are described indetail herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the arm 102 comprises a bar 108 having a first end110, a second end 112, a first side 114, and a second side 116. A firstconnection opening 118 is located near the first end 110 and a secondconnection opening 120 is located near the second end 112, where bothopenings 118, 120 form a hole in the bar 108. The first protractor 104is rotatably mounted at the first end 110 of the arm 102, and the secondprotractor 106 is rotatably mounted at the second end 112 of the arm102. A central axis 122 of the bar 108 runs from the first end 110 tothe second end 112. In some embodiments, as further explained below, thearm 102 may include an extension section such that a distance along theelongate arm 102 between the two protractors 104 and 106 can beselectively extended and reduced.

In some embodiments, at least one reference marking 124 is located onthe first side 114 of the arm 102 and is positioned along at least aportion of the central axis 122. The reference marking 124 tends toassist the user in acquiring a measured angle quickly and easily whenused in connection with either of the protractors 104, 106. At eachpoint of interest, the angle may be measured by determining the anglebetween the arm 102 and each protractor 104 and 106, respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 1, while the following description refers to thefirst protractor 104 only, it should be understood that both of theprotractors 104, 106 are, in some embodiments, formed with identicalcomponents and configurations, and may be used to obtain the anglebetween two points of interest. The first protractor 104 generallyincludes a first plate 126 and a connection member 128. In someembodiments, the protractor 104 may further include an elongate contactmember 130 and a plurality of connectors 132.

The first plate 126 is two-sided and includes an outer face 134 thatfaces away from the arm 102 and an inner face (not shown) that facestowards the arm 102. The first plate 126 further comprises a first edge138 that is generally arc-shaped and a second edge 140, which comprisesa flat for positioning the protractor against one of the two points ofinterest. As shown in FIG. 2, a bore 142 is disposed at a central pointof the first plate 126, such as at the center point of the arc formed bythe first edge 138. Additionally, a plurality of connection apertures144 is disposed proximate the second edge 140.

The first plate 126 may be secured to the bar 108 of the arm 102 via theconnection member 128, which may include a threaded connection, a bolt,a pin, a rivet, or other similar connection means that allows the firstplate 126 to rotate with respect to the bar 108. In certain otherembodiments, the connection member 128 may be selectively tightened toprevent or arrest to a desired degree the rotational movement of thefirst protractor 104, including the first plate 126, with respect to thebar 108. This may include, for example, a screw connection or a clampingconnection. To facilitate the rotation of the first plate 126 withrespect to the arm 102, at least one of the ends 110, 112 of the bar 108may be rounded. By rounding either or both ends 110, 112, sharp cornersthat may tend to prevent or limit the rotation are reduced.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a first set of graduated reference lines orgraduations 146 are radially disposed about the connection member 128and are located proximate the first edge 138 and radiate inwards towardsthe connection member 128. The graduations 146 may represent degrees ofincline, and may range from 0° up to 180°. In some embodiments, thefirst plate 126 may include one or more additional sets of secondarygraduations 136 as shown in FIG. 4. In certain other embodiments, theprotractor 104 may include one or more secondary reference markings 166,which tend to assist the user in acquiring a measured angle from thesecondary graduations 136 quickly and easily.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the secondary reference markings 166 maybe disposed on a retention member 158 and, in particular, on a topsurface 162 thereof. The retention member 158 may comprise a post-likeextension that extends perpendicularly from the first side 114 of thebar 108 and may include a flange 164 disposed about the top surface 162.The retention member 158 may be inserted into an arcuate slot 160 thatis disposed about the center point of the arc formed by the first edge138, and it may freely travel about that arc 160 as the first plate 126is rotated with respect to the bar 108. In addition to providing the topsurface 162 on which the secondary reference markings 166 may beprinted, the retention member 158 may serve many additional utilitarianfunctions. For example, the flange 164 may assist in guiding the travelpath of the bar 108 about the connection member 128 and also prevent thebar 108 from inadvertently becoming disconnected from the protractor104.

In certain other embodiments, the retention member 158 may comprise ascrew connection or a clamping connection that would tend to allow theuser to restrict the movement of the bar 108 with respect to theprotractor 104. The retention member 158 may be used in place of or inaddition to the connection member 128 to restrict the rotationalmovement of the bar 108 with respect to the protractor 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in certain embodiments, the measuring tool100 may further comprise a contact member 130 that includes asubstantially planar first side 148 that may be used for contacting apoint of interest (e.g., the outside of a length of pipe or a pipeconnection) as an alternative to contacting the point of interest usingthe second edge 140 of the first plate 126. As shown in FIG. 2, thecontact member 130 may also include a plurality of connection openings156. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the contact member mayfurther comprise at least one of a first ledge 150 or a second ledge152, which are located on opposite sides of the contact member 130. Asshown in FIG. 6B, the ledges 150, 152 are dimensioned to receive thefirst plate 126 and a second plate 168. In this way, the contact memberand the plate 126, 168 form a flush external surface. In an alternativeembodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the first plate 126, the contact member 130and the second plate 168 may be formed as a single unitary piece. Inthis way, movement between these components is eliminated. FIGS. 19 and20 depicts an alternative embodiment that includes plates 126, 168wherein the first edge 138 includes shoulder portions. The contactmember 130 may be positioned between the first plate 126 and the secondplate 168 as a spacer. Ideally, the contact member 130 is of sufficientwidth such that the bar 108 travels freely between the plates 126, 168.For example, the thickness of the contact member 130 may be the same orgreater than the thickness of the bar 108.

As shown in FIG. 9, the plates 126, 168 may be secured to the contactmember 130 via a plurality of connectors 132. These connectors 132 mayused to form a threaded connection, a bolted connection, a rivetedconnection, or other similar connection types that fixedly connect thefirst plate 126 to the contact member 130 such that movement betweenthose components is minimized or eliminated altogether. Limitingmovement or rotation of the contact member 130 will tend to reducevariability in the measuring procedure and will tend to produce moreaccurate and consistent measured values.

As the first plate 126 is rotated with respect to the bar 108, therotational movement is generally guided by the connection member 128 andthe first plate 126. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, therotational movement may be further stabilized by the second plate 168.In some embodiments, the second plate 168 has an identical structure tothe first plate 126, such that either the first plate 126 or the secondplate 168 may used to take measurements at the points of interest. Forexample, a user may read the measurement from the first plate 126 whenthe point of interest is below eye level or from the second plate 168when the point of interest is above eye level. FIG. 10 illustrates thisparticular embodiment being used to take measurements at two portions ofa pipe 200. This embodiment is generally useful for smaller pipes anddistances or where space is particularly limited. However, as furtherdescribed below, other embodiments of the measuring tool 100 are wellsuited for larger distances or where space is not particularly limited.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a guide 170 is provided. In certainembodiments, the guide 170 may be L-shaped, having an elongate first leg172 and an elongate second leg 174, including an outer edge 176 and aninner edge 178, which intersect each other at an outside heel 180 and aninside heel 182, respectively. Additionally, the first leg 172 includesa proximate end 172A and a distal end 172B, and the second leg 174includes a proximate end 174A and a distal end 174B. In certain otherembodiments, the intersection formed by the first leg 172 and the secondleg 174 at the inside heel 182 forms a 90° angle. Formed along at leasta portion of the inner edge 178 and extending perpendicularly away froman upper surface 184 of the guide 170, is an inner rail 186. Similarly,formed along at least a portion of each of the outer edges 176 andextending perpendicularly away from the upper surface 184 of the guide170, is an outer rail 188. In some embodiments, the rails 186, 188 mayinclude a lip as shown in FIG. 11. However, in certain otherembodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, no lip is present and the bar 108 maypositioned directly onto the guide 170.

The guide 170 may further include three connection points, oneconnection point on each proximal end 172A and 174A and a thirdconnection point at the distal end 172B, 174B. As shown in FIG. 12, theguide 170 is designed to work cooperatively with at least one arm 102and at least one of the protractors 104, 106. The connection points areformed by the inner rails 186 and outer rails 188, which are dimensionedto received at least a portion of the bar 108 of the arm 102. Inparticular, the first end 110 or the second end 112 of the bar 108 maybe slidably inserted into the guide 170 between the rails 186, 188. Therails 186, 188 are dimensioned such that the bar 108 is held securelyagainst the upper surface 184 of the bar 108 and such that the bar 108may slide along the length of the guide 170 within the rails 186, 188.In some embodiments, more than one bar 108 may be inserted into theguide 170. The movement of the bar 108 is shown in phantom lines in FIG.12. The bar 108 may be inserted into either the proximal end 172A, 174Aor the distal end 172B, 174B of either leg 172, 174 of the guide 170.

As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, the arm 102 may furtherinclude an extension section. The extension section may comprise anelongate channel 190 that runs at least a portion of the length of thebar 108 between the first end 110 and the second end 112 and may beoriented along the central axis 122. The guide 170 may further include afirst guide bore 192 along the first arm 172 or second arm 174 that isdimensioned to work cooperatively with the elongate channel 190 toreceive a second connection member 194. The second connection member 194may be inserted through the elongate channel 190 and then through thefirst guide bore 192. Once positioned, the second connection member 194tends to guide the movement of the bar 108 as it is repositioned alongthe first leg 172 or second leg 174 of the guide 170. The secondconnection member 194 may comprise a threaded connection, a bolt, a pin,a rivet, or other similar connection means that allows translation ofthe bar. In certain embodiments, the second connection member 194 may beselectively tightened to prevent or arrest the translational movement ofthe bar 108 with respect to the guide 170. In that way, the distancebetween the protractors 104 and 106 and the guide 170 may be selectivelyextended or reduced, and, once in the desired location, locked intoplace.

In certain other embodiments, at least one of the legs 172, 174 of theguide 170 may further include a second guide bore 196. The second guidebore 196 is dimensioned to work cooperatively with either the firstconnection opening 118 or second connection opening 120 (both shown inFIG. 2) to receive a third connection member 198. The third connectionmember 198 may be selectively inserted through the first connectionopening 118 or second connection opening 120 and then through the secondguide bore 196 to fixedly attach the bar 108 to the guide 170. The thirdconnection member 198 may include a threaded connection, a bolt, a pin,a rivet, or other similar connection means. One benefit of thisconfiguration is that the measuring tool 100, including all of itscomponents, may be secured together and stored when not in use. Thisconfiguration may be used to secure the components of the measuring tool100 when it is not in use. In an alternative configuration, as shownbest in FIG. 17, the third connection member 198 may be inserted throughthe elongate channel 190 of a second bar 108 such that the bar 108 mayslide along the length of the guide 170 within the rails 186, 188.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, each of the protractors104, 106 may be connected to one end of an arm 102 and then insertedinto the proximate ends 172A, 174A of the guide 170. As shown in FIGS.14 and 15, this particular configuration is well suited for largedistances and also for taking measurements along the inside of a turn(FIG. 14) or for taking measurements along the outside of a turn (FIG.15). FIG. 16 demonstrates the use of the guide 170 and only a singleprotractor 104. In this embodiment, a portion of the protractor 104 isshown contacting a first point of interest and a proximate end 174A ofthe guide 170 is shown contacting a second point of interest.

Other embodiments are well suited for very long distances. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, the measuring tool 100 may be reconfigured such thatthe protractors 104, 106 are oriented at 180° to one another. In thisembodiment, the first protractor 104 may be inserted into the proximateend 174A of the second leg 174 and the second protractor has beeninserted into the distal end 174B of the second leg 174. It should alsobe noted that, in this configuration, the second connection member 194has been inserted into the elongate channel 190 of the bar 108 and thenattached to the guide 170 at the first guide bore 192 (FIG. 9).Additionally, the third connection member 198 has been inserted into theelongate channel 190 of the bar 108 and then attached to the guide 170at the second guide bore 196 (FIG. 11). In this way, the movement ofboth arms 102 is controlled and may be selectively arrested.

In operation, the measuring tool 100 is positioned against the twopoints of interest. The protractors 104, 106 may be used to measureangles at that point of interest. Generally, the measured angle ismeasured between the arm 102 and the second edge 140. One method forquickly determining the total angular offset at a particular locationinvolves simply adding together the angle measured at each protractor.For example, referring to FIG. 14, by ensuring that the sum of theangles measured of the two protractors 104, 106 equals 90°, a user canquickly ensure a 90° turn. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20,graduations 146 may be provided to simply to simplify measuring anglesother than 90°. For example, if both protractors 104, 106 are set to the22.5° graduation, a 45° turn is obtained.

The foregoing description of embodiments for this invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in aneffort to provide illustrations of the principles of the invention andits practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skillin the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.All such modifications and variations are within the scope of theinvention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted inaccordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, andequitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A measuring tool for determining angles at twopoints of interest, the measuring tool consisting essentially of: a onepiece, non-extendable elongate arm having a first end and a second end;and a first protractor rotatably mounted at the first end and a secondprotractor rotatably mounted at the second end, each protractorcomprising: a first edge comprising an arc, and a first set ofgraduations for providing an angular measurement in degrees of inclinebetween the protractor and the elongate arm; and a second edgecomprising a flat, for positioning the protractor against one of the twopoints of interest; whereby the angle at each point of interest is theangular measurement between the elongate arm and each flat,respectively.
 2. The measuring tool of claim 1, wherein the elongate armfurther comprises a reference marking for aligning with the first set ofgraduations.
 3. The measuring tool of claim 1, wherein the elongate armfurther comprises an extension section, such that a distance along theelongate arm between the two protractors can be selectively extended andreduced.
 4. The measuring tool of claim 1, wherein each protractorfurther comprises an arcuate slot and the arm further comprises a postextending through the arcuate slot, the arcuate slot in combination withthe post for guiding the rotation of the protractor with respect to thearm.
 5. The measuring tool of claim 1, wherein the protractors eachfurther comprise two plates, one of each of the plates rotatably mountedon either side of the elongate arm.
 6. The measuring tool of claim 1,wherein the protractors each further comprise two plates, one of each ofthe plates rotatably mounted on either side of the elongate arm, withthe second edge fixedly mounted between the two plates.
 7. The measuringtool of claim 1, wherein the protractors each further comprise a lockfor locking the protractor in a desired angular position with respect tothe elongate arm.
 8. A measuring tool for determining angles at twopoints of interest, the measuring tool comprising: an elongate armhaving a first end and a second end; and a first protractor rotatablymounted at the first end and a second protractor rotatably mounted atthe second end, each protractor comprising: a first edge comprising anarc, and a first set of graduations for providing an angular measurementin degrees of incline between the protractor and the elongate arm; asecond edge; and a contact member mounted to the first protractorproximate the second edge and having a flat for positioning theprotractor against one of the two points of interest; whereby the angleat each point of interest is the angular measurement between theelongate arm and each flat, respectively.